Governor Corbett Highlights $1.3 Million Increase in Funding to Support Domestic Violence Programs

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett visited the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg today, where he was joined by local advocates and leaders in support of his proposal to increase funding to domestic violence programs by $1.3 million.

"For decades, we have been struggling to confront a danger to the men and women of Pennsylvania that can exist inside their own homes," Corbett said. "That's why, this year, I have proposed an increase of $1.3 million dollars in funding for Pennsylvania's Domestic Violence Program."

The 10 percent funding increase, proposed in Corbett's 2013-14 budget, would bring total state spending on domestic violence programs to $13.8 million.

The Department of Public Welfare outsources services to victims of domestic violence through a grant agreement with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) which, in turn, subcontracts for services at the local level. A total of 60 sub-grantees serve all 67 counties in Pennsylvania providing a variety of domestic violence services including:

• Emergency services such as a 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter and financial aid;
• Referral services to other community programs (mental health, medical, legal assistance);
• Accompaniment to police, hospital or court appointments;
• Victim advocacy; and
• Primary and at-risk prevention programs.

"On behalf of our service providers statewide, I want to thank the governor for his recognition and support for domestic violence services," Peg Dierkers, executive director of PCADV, said. "This funding is critical to continuing to support the needs of Pennsylvanians who too often fall victim to crimes within their own homes."

PCADV was established in 1976 and was the first state coalition against domestic violence in the nation. Pennsylvania then became the first state to pass legislation providing for orders of protection for battered women.

"We count on our partners to find the services and consultants who can, in turn, help those who have experienced domestic violence survive, recover, and resume their lives," Corbett said. "For the past four decades, domestic violence programs have given protection, help and refuge to nearly 2 million domestic abuse survivors and their children."

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender, or disability. It can affect people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels and can occur among intimate partners who are married, living together or dating.

Governor Corbett was joined by Representative Sue Helm (R-Dauphin), Acting Secretary of Public Welfare Beverly D. Mackereth, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Executive Director Linda Rosenberg, and representatives from the Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. Many of the attendees wore purple in support of domestic violence awareness.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov.

Media contact: Christine Cronkright, Governor's Office, 717-783-1116
Carey Miller, DPW, 717-364-6671

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor